Herb library

Babuna (German Chamomile)

Chamomile (German Chamomile)

Matricaria chamomilla

The gentlest evening flower — calming for sleep, nerves and an unsettled stomach.

Chamomile plant · Herb · Parts: Flower

Taste (rasa)
Bitter, Sweet
Energy (virya)
Cooling
Balances
Pitta, Vata

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Widely used to settle the mind and ease into sleep
  • Relaxes cramping and gas in a tense digestive tract
  • Cooled tea is used as a compress for irritated eyes and skin

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Babuna is the classic evening flower of household medicine — sweet, cooling and calming to both the nerves and the gut, and the safest first choice for Pitta-type irritability.

Traditional uses

  • Winding down before sleep and easing restless nights
  • Cramping, wind and nervous stomach
  • Cooled tea as a compress for tired eyes and irritated skin

Practical guidance

  1. 1Always steep covered — the calming volatile oils escape with the steam.
  2. 2Drink 30–60 minutes before bed, not with dinner, so it works as the body settles.
  3. 3Skip it if you react to daisies, marigold or ragweed.

How much

Dosage

1 cup of tea from 2-3 g dried flowers, one to three times daily.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Evening infusion

Steep 2-3 g dried flowers in covered hot water for 5-10 minutes.

30-60 minutes before bed

Skin compress

Brew strong tea, cool completely, and apply on a clean cloth.

As needed

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Precautions

  • Avoid if allergic to ragweed, daisies or marigold
  • May add to the effect of sedatives — check with your doctor
  • Very strong brews can be nauseating on an empty stomach

Where this comes from

Sources

Where to buy

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